Sports Tips & Advice

Get Fit for Ski Season: 7-Day Workout Plan

By Kathy Smith | For Active.com

Colorado is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding. Some of the best personal trainers work with athletes who want to be in perfect condition to hit the slopes on opening day. Caleb Smeltzer, personal trainer at Viking Power Fitness in Denver, shares his training plan to get you fit for ski season.

"Every year in the fall, avid athletes are preparing for an enjoyable ski season. They seek conditioning methods to make the most of their season. Consistently, everyone turns to the proverbial pursuit of strengthening the legs, but the truth is, ski conditioning starts at the core," Smeltzer states.

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Core Stability

"A particular set of muscles known as the transverse abdominus (TVA), which act as the body's natural weight belt or girdle, are very important and often overlooked. TVA not only supporst the torso, but transfer powerful and rapid movement from the upper body to the lower and vice versa," describes Smeltzer. "In addition to traditional exercises, the complement of dynamic movements will help the body work hard and stay safe during fatigue."

Mimicking Skiing in the Gym

Smeltzer says, "Skiing, in nature, follows a transverse pattern--meaning twisting at the core. Tactically speaking we can mimic these movements and patterns in the gym. Technological equipment over the years has given us the edge in dynamic exercise; however, many exercises can be performed with or without equipment."

Note: This plan is not a beginner plan; beginners reduce exercises in half.

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About the Author

Kathy Smith

Kathy Smith is a freelance writer, who has been published in many local Denver magazines and was nationally published in Her Sport. She has a keen interest in writing about athletics. She is a chef, mother of four and a fitness enthusiast. She recently picked up stair climb races as her new favorite sport, and while she isn't the fastest, she is passionate about competing in more races and getting better times.

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